Why participate in Relay For Life?


Candlebags

Relay For Life is not just about the amazing experience on the day. It’s also about the fun ways your team can raise money in the lead up to the event.

Cancer Council is not government funded. We need your support to help to reduce the impact cancer has on our communities.

  • Why we need your help

    1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. Each dollar you raise can make a difference in helping fund Cancer Council’s research, prevention, education and support services.

  • How your money helps

    • $1500: Can help fund groundbreaking research into the causes of cancer and into new and improved treatments.
    • $1000: Can help us fund clinical trials, which test new and improved ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
    • $500: Can allow a research team to purchase tissue samples for use in investigating the cause of cancer as well as potential treatment options.
    • $100: Can help us to provide resources to health professionals to assist them in adopting proven methods in treating and caring for their patients.
    • $50: Can help us train a staff member for the Cancer Council Helpline (13 11 20). The helpline is a confidential telephone support service accessible to all Australians for a cost of a local call. Specially trained staff can answer questions about all aspects of cancer, including prevention, early detection and treatment.
    • $25: Can enable us to provide a newly diagnosed cancer patient with important support and resources to help them through their cancer journey.

  • Why Heather Atwell Relays

    “In Jess’s short journey of life and especially with her illness some specific words come to mind, great sense of humour, generous, genuine, helpful always very concerned about others and probably my word to describe her courageous, never complaining always concerned for her family and friends."

    "When Team Jess fundraise sometimes we get a little tired and feel we have bitten of more than we can chew, then I think to myself how much courage and bravery Jess showed and I will never get to tired to continue raising funds for such an indiscriminate disease. I know even though she didn't like a fuss I think she would be proud of her family and friends for having had such an impact in her honour.”

    Heather Atwell, Team Jess, Casey-Cardinia Relay For Life

  • Why Nick Youl Relays

    Hamilton local, Nicholas Youl, is completing grade 12 at Nudgee College, the location for the Relay For Life weekend and has formed a school team for the third year.

    “My Mum was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer when I was in grade eight and died from it two years ago, so Relay For Life is something I have always supported,” he said.

    “My first Relay was with Mum and Dad back when Mum was first diagnosed, but now I form my own team with my school friends."

    “It’s a great way to enjoy the weekend with my mates and support cancer patients at the same time."

    “I always light a candle for Mum and it’s good to have my friends with me to help keep her memory alive."

    “Relay For Life is a great event, you get to be part of a team, camp out all night and it’s heaps of fun."

    Nick Youl – team captain since 2006

  • Why Mark Harvey Relays

    “It’s not just the fundraising and it’s not just the walking that will be remembered: It’s not the entertainment or the team camaraderie, its all about the passion and the emotion, the candle light ceremony and the survivors lap."

    “That’s what moves me to be involved and that’s what most people will remember long after the event”.

    “I do it because I can, because the people we are helping can’t do it, the biggest thing in life is being able to help others”.

    Mark Harvey father of nine, BMA Team Captain, Mackay Relay For Life